Extreme variations in temperature are common in Orange County, which can cause itchy and dry eyes in certain people. Some individuals tell their Orange County LASIK surgeons that their dry eyes have gotten worse following the procedure. Studies show that nearly half of those with LASIK experience some dryness after the treatment. These signs and symptoms might last for weeks, months, or even years.

Although LASIK can potentially cause some dry eyes, it can also be utilized to address contact lens-induced dryness. According to the finest LASIK surgeons in Orange County, contact lens wearers who find their lenses too uncomfortable to wear owing to dry eyes can consider LASIK as a treatment to increase comfort. The good news is that LASIK doctors in Orange County offer LASIK screening that aids in detecting and treating dry eyes. When pre-existing dry eye issues are brought up during a LASIK consultation, the majority of patients who seek the best LASIK eye surgery in Orange County may now be able to benefit from it.

Why Do Some People Get Dry Eyes During LASIK?

The LASIK treatment includes cutting specific nerves in the cornea, which reduces corneal sensitivity in various ways. Your eye may respond by believing it does not require lubrication, causing your body to produce fewer tears, resulting in dry eye syndrome.

Even if you don’t have symptoms of dry eye, you should start therapies to boost ocular lubricants before your LASIK procedure as a precaution. In some patients with dehydrated eyes, Orange County LASIK doctors may propose corrective vision treatments that do not need the creation of a small flap on the eye’s surface, such as PRK. In these cases, PRK may be a better option than LASIK.

How do LASIK patients get checked for dry eyes?

The nature of your tears and the number of tears you produce are factors in the development of dry eyes, which can also influence recovery after eye surgery. Because eye surgeons are more aware that the best LASIK results may depend on maintaining dry eyes, the patient will almost certainly be subjected to screening before the treatment.

Various tests for identifying dry eyes are listed below:

MMP-9 Testing — Your doctor will collect a little sample of your tears from the inside of the bottom lid for this painless test. After a few minutes, the doctor can tell if you have high amounts of protein that can interact with an inflammatory dry eye following LASIK surgery.

Imaging: Keratometers or other equipment that provide insight into the tear film without touching the eye’s surface can be used by your LASIK surgeon.

Schirmer test: An ophthalmologist will slip a thin strip of paper under the patient’s lower eyelid to assess tear production.

Tear breakup time: Your doctor will place a little amount of dye on the surface of your eye to see how your tears disperse and when they start to “break up” on the eye surface.

While your LASIK specialist evaluates you as a potential LASIK candidate, your eye surgeon may need to determine if you have an underlying problem causing your dry eyes.

Who Is More Likely To Experience Dry Eyes After LASIK?

According to a study conducted at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, those with high levels of myopia are more likely to experience dry eyes following LASIK eye surgery than those with significantly less severe nearsightedness before surgery.

Other causes of a dry eye condition before and after LASIK include:

• Climates or surroundings that are unusually dry, such as a room that is heavily heated or air-conditioned.
• Antihistamines, as well as certain blood pressure drugs and antidepressants, reduce the quantity of moisture in the eyes.
• Sjogren’s syndrome is an example of an autoimmune disease.
• Women in their forties and fifties, especially those who have gone through menopause.

If your eye doctor discovers that you have dry eyes before your LASIK operation, they will not throw you out as a candidate. However, before performing the surgery, your eye surgeon will need to assess the severity of your eye dryness and the most effective treatments available.

How Can Dry Eyes Be Treated Before and After LASIK?

Suppose your eye doctor discovers you have a pre-existing dry eye issue. In that case, a LASIK surgeon may decide to treat you before performing LASIK or any other eye operation rather than ruling you out. Even if you don’t have dry eyes and your tear production is average, your eye surgeon may choose to treat you for eye dryness as a precaution before LASIK.

To enhance the tear film in your eyes, your doctor may recommend taking flaxseed oil or fish oil orally for several weeks before your LASIK operation. Your corrective eye surgeon may also prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops like Restasis to help your body produce more tears. Punctal plugs, which restrict tear drainage channels to stimulate moisture on the eye, and anti-inflammatory drugs such corticosteroids delivered as eye drops are two more typical dry eye treatments.

How Can I Avoid Dry Eyes Before LASIK Surgery?

If you are aware of your dry eye symptoms when you meet with your LASIK surgeon for your consultation, make sure to mention these and any other eye symptoms that could indicate or cause eye dryness. Even excessive crying could suggest that you have a dry eye problem. Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements and eating foods high in beneficial fats, such as salmon or avocado, has been shown to help maintain a healthy tear film. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water will keep your body and eyes moisturized.

Contact Excel Laser Vision Institute immediately at (818) 907-8606 if you are considering LASIK corrective surgery and are concerned about dry eyes. Before and after your Orange County LASIK operation, our experienced team of eye doctors can analyze you and may be able to treat your dry eye symptoms.